biostudies-literatureKarpstein TSwiss National Science Foundation1335https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8537204biostudies-literatureUnknown10(10)Drug-based treatment of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) with benzimidazoles is in most cases non-curative, thus has to be taken lifelong. Here, we report on a 56-year-old male AE patient who received standard benzimidazole treatment and biliary plastic stents, and additionally self-medicated himself with the Peruvian plant extract Maca (Lepidium meyenii). After 42 months, viable parasite tissue had disappeared. Based on this striking observation, the anti-echinococcal activity of Maca was investigated in vitro and in mice experimentally infected with Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes. Albendazole (ABZ)-treated mice and mice treated with an ABZ+Maca combination exhibited a significantly reduced parasite burden compared to untreated or Maca-treated mice. As shown by a newly established UPathogens (Basel, Switzerland)Maca against Echinococcosis?-A Reverse Approach from Patient to In Vitro Testing.PMC8537204192072Bresson-Hadni SLargiader CRRufener RAebi YHemphill ALundstrom-Stadelmann BChaudhry SSchindler IKaethner MBoubaker GKarpstein THayoz MCunha ASfalseMaca against Echinococcosis?-A Reverse Approach from Patient to In Vitro Testing.Drug-based treatment of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) with benzimidazoles is in most cases non-curative, thus has to be taken lifelong. Here, we report on a 56-year-old male AE patient who received standard benzimidazole treatment and biliary plastic stents, and additionally self-medicated himself with the Peruvian plant extract Maca (Lepidium meyenii). After 42 months, viable parasite tissue had disappeared. Based on this striking observation, the anti-echinococcal activity of Maca was investigated in vitro and in mice experimentally infected with Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes. Albendazole (ABZ)-treated mice and mice treated with an ABZ+Maca combination exhibited a significantly reduced parasite burden compared to untreated or Maca-treated mice. As shown by a newly established U2021-01-01T00:00:00Z2021 Oct2025-04-21T14:49:04.558Z2025-04-21T14:49:04.558ZS-EPMC85372043468428410.3390/pathogens10101335